Advantages

Disadvantages

A friendly professional gym that's helped me lose some weight!

I have been a member at The Hampton for almost a year now and joining has had a very positive impact. When I signed up I was between 15 ½ and 16 stone and as I write this I'm now between 13 and 13 ½ stone. Now I accept this is not the greatest weight loss ever seen but it has largely been achieved without any strict diet but more as a result of me frequenting the gym as often as possible. I have been a member of other gyms before but struggled to get the motivation to go (I accept this is my problem and not the gym's!) but this is not something I've struggled with at The Hampton because I've found it such a pleasant place to be.

The gym is located in Hampton In Arden just outside of Coventry and is no more than a 5 minute walk from the local train station which is ideal for me as this is how I commute between Coventry and Birmingham (there is also a car park for those travelling by car). It is a relatively small location in comparison to more mainstream gyms but this does not cause problems as the membership is relative to its size and I have never had to wait to use a particular machine.

The gym is split across two levels with all the standard cardiovascular equipment that I look for - treadmills, cross trainers, exercise bikes, rowing machines (and flat screen TV's with satellite TV!) amongst others - upstairs whilst the weights equipment is located downstairs. As well as these the gym has an exercise studio for group classes (the circuit training is a killer), a physiotherapy suite and a beauty suite (these last two I haven't found cause to use!). All of these rooms and equipment are very modern and fresh following a recent refurbishment of the whole gym.

Whilst a number of the above aspects are common at most gyms, I feel it is the atmosphere and attitude of the trainers which sets The Hampton apart. The guys that run the gym, Paul and Gareth, have a very welcoming, helpful and professional attitude. They, and the other trainers that work there, are always on hand to offer advice or help if needed. They all have an enthusiastic attitude with regards to whatever your personal goals (if you have any) and seem to take a genuine interest in you achieving them.

When I first joined I was quickly impressed with the friendly manner of the vast majority of the members there. Due to it being quite a small fitness centre, it is like there is a community mentality with many people using the gym as a social place to catch up with friends. It also has a seating section with tea and coffee facilities for this purpose.

The male's changing room is spacious and well maintained with plenty of showers so again there is never a wait.

The gym opens 7 days a week from 6.30am until 9.00pm Mon - Thurs, 6.30am - 8.00pm on Friday, 8.00pm - 5.00pm on Saturday and 9.00am - 4.00pm on a Sunday. I am unsure how busy the gym gets on a weekend as I only use it throughout the week. On this note the gym has a number of different memberships to suit different needs. Mine costs £26 a month and is for use throughout the week at particular times (before and after standard work hours).

There are also a number programmes that you can sign up for (at a cost) for one to one sessions and diet plans etc. I have not taken up any of these offers but they seem popular.

This gym will not be to everyone's liking. It obviously lacks the facilities of larger fitness centres like a swimming pool, sauna, bar etc but for my personal requirements I think it provides excellent value for money and has massively contributed towards my weight loss and hopefully will continue to do so.